Damir Canadi:

“Rapid could have a say

Damir Canadi won four out of six home games against Rapid when he was coach of Altach.

(Bild: GEPA)

Damir Canadi declared the Green-Whites the clear favorites ahead of today's clash between his former clubs Altach and Rapid(kick-off at 14:30, here in the krone.at live ticker) Altach will not contact him 

As Altach coach, Damir Canadi taught Rapid to fear, winning four out of six home games - his tenure in Hütteldorf ended in 2017 after just 17 games, including a 3-1 defeat in Altach. One thing is clear for the 54-year-old ahead of today's clash: "Rapid are clear favorites and will win." On the reasons why the Green-Whites are currently doing so well, he says: "They made really good transfers, have steadily improved, have good speed in the team and are always good for a goal."

"Absolute leader"
One duo stands out for Canadi on the pitch: "With Burgi, Rapid has an absolute leader, and with Cvetkovic, a strong defensive leader." What is possible this season? "The season is still young, but it can't be ruled out that Rapid will have a say in the title this year."

The situation at Altach is completely different: "There's a lack of continuity and quality in the squad. Since I joined Rapid in 2016, hardly a season has gone by without a change of manager, so the club has never really settled down. As a result, the attack on the top 6 cannot succeed this season either."

"Finally getting a grip"
Why did things go so well for him with the Vorarlbergers against the Viennese? "I knew how we had to play against my friend Barisic. There was also some luck involved, but you need that against Rapid. "No call expectedHe was irritated by the latest derby scandal: "We have to finally get a grip on it in Austria, the previous sanctions were worth nothing. There should be lifelong stadium bans, these chaotic people have no place there."

Altach are currently still looking for a coach following the sacking of Joachim Standfest - has Canadi been contacted? "No, that won't happen as long as Mr. Gunz and Mr. Längle are in charge. But the Altach club will always remain in my heart." Canadi is relaxed about his situation after the early exit from Velez Mostar: "I've been a coach in six nations and will now possibly get to know a seventh country as well."